Alejandro Garnacho hit out at Ruben Amorim’s squad selection after he was dropped from Manchester United’s starting lineup for the Europa League final, casting doubt over his future at the club.
The 20-year-old winger had been a fixture in the United squad throughout the campaign, starting every Europa League knockout tie, but was a surprise exclusion in the final, the manager opting instead for Mason Mount and Amad Diallo in the attacking midfield roles.
Despite his considerable minutes, Garnacho has struggled for end product in the competition, chalking up one goal and four assists in 15 appearances, prompting Amorim to roll the dice.
The gamble did not pay off. United lacked attacking threat as they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham, generating just six shots on target. Garnacho was handed a 19-minute cameo and looked lively, forcing a smart save from Guglielmo Vicario shortly after his introduction.
Amorim defended his selection at full time, pointing out that the Argentine had missed a key chance in the semi-final tie against Athletic Club, but the player took a dimmer view of the situation.
“When you don’t score goals, you always need more. Until we reached the final, I played every round, and I played 20 minutes today,” Garnacho said.
“The final, the season, the whole situation of the club, I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer, then see what happens next.
“It is hard for everyone, our season was s***. We lost the final, we didn’t beat anyone in the league. We lacked a lot of things.”
His brother and agent, Roberto Garnacho, also hit out at Amorim’s decisions, posting on Instagram that he felt Alejandro had been ‘thrown under the bus’.
He wrote: “Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus. Wowe hajjahhahaha.”
Garnacho had come close to leaving United in January, with Chelsea reported to be interested in his services. He was then valued at around £60million, and United were prepared to field offers.
